Analysis of Sleep Quality, Mood Alterations and modifications of some Habits/Behavior during two different Periods of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Argentina

Abstract

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 in the world, in its different periods, produced many changes in sleep and in various areas of mental health. Objectives: To evaluate and to compare sleep quality and aspects of mental health during two different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to analyze some changes in habits/behaviors. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, through an anonymous survey. Demographic information, sleep quality, depressive and anxiety symptoms were analyzed. Of the total, 998 surveys were selected. The survey focused on 2 time periods, from March to July 2020 and from March to July 2021. Results: When sleep quality was compared during the 2020 versus 2021 periods, the percentage of poor sleepers went from 51% to 59% in the second period. Regarding depressive symptoms, it went from 21.1 to 16.3% and the percentage of anxiety symptoms went from 59.5 to 47.6%. Poor sleep quality affected more people in 2021 compared to 2020. The percentage of participants with symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased in 2021. People changed some habits/behaviors, such as: changing routine schedules, acquiring pets, sharing their dreams more, and remembering them more frequently. This article contributes to knowing various aspects of sleep, mood swings and changes in habits/behaviors that occurred during the pandemic in Argentina.